High-resolution real-time ultrasonography. Diagnosis and follow-up of jugular and subclavian vein thrombosis.

Thrombosis of the internal jugular and subclavian veins was demonstrated by high-resolution real-time ultrasonography in eight patients. The sonographic findings were an intraluminal mass of low or mild amplitude echoes, loss of respiratory rhythmicity and venous pulsation, absence of vein response to respiratory maneuvers (Valsalva and sniff test) and incompressibility of the thrombotic jugular vein. Follow-up examinations after anticoagulant and local streptokinase therapy allowed monitoring of the treatment. High-resolution ultrasonography is a useful noninvasive technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of therapy in thrombosis of the jugular and subclavian veins.